Janet Cara-Nell Arens was born May 2, 1936, in Redfield, S.D., to William H. and Gladys (Clark) Otto. She grew up in Tulare, S.D., and graduated from Tulare High School. She received her Registered Nursing degree from St. John’s School of Nursing, Huron, S.D. She married Gerald J. Arens April 4, 1964, in Hartington. Janet was a Registered Nurse employed at the State Hospital, Yankton, S.D., for seven years then worked at the Yankton Medical Clinic for 23 years.

Janet loved to spend time with her children and grandchildren. She enjoyed going on vacations, birdwatching and gardening. She was a great baker, canner and jelly maker. She was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Christian Mothers, Catholic Daughters of America, and belonged to a Wednesday Bridge Club.

Janet is survived by her husband of 52 years Gerald J. Arens, Hartington; three children and spouses, Diane and Kevin Thomas,and son, Jerod, Kansas City, Mo.;Dan and Eleanor Arens, and children, Austin and Emma, Kearney; Denise and David Keay, and sons, Jacob and Jonas, Treynor, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents, and brother, William C. Otto.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials directed to the Hartington Fire and Rescue Department.